Course Description
Apocalyptic literature from its origins in the sixth and fifth centuries BCE down to its flourishing in Hellenistic and Roman times. Texts to be studied include Isaiah 24-27, 40-66, Zechariah 9-14, Joel, Malachi, Daniel, I Enoch, IV Ezra, Baruch, Qumran material, Mark 13 and the Book of Revelation. Questions bearing on contemporary theological significance will also be discussed.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Additional readings, work in the original languages (primarily Hebrew), a research paper, and extensive examinations to reflect the additional responsibilities.
Athena Title
Apocalyptic Literature
Prerequisite
Third- or fourth-year student standing or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered every even-numbered year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, the student will be able to recognize, understand, and interpret the methodologies of literary, source, form, and traditio-historical criticism in the history of scholarship of apocalyptic literature.
- By the end of this course, the student will be able to understand the origin of the apocalyptic genre and its relation to prophetic literature, and describe the similarities, differences, and extent of impact both written and orally.
- By the end of this course, the student will be able to interpret the apocalyptic corpus with proper methods and demonstrate the ability to interpret apocalyptic literature in regard to its Sitz-im-Leben, including historical and sociological aspects.
- By the end of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate mastery of the material through a
term paper project and examinations which include essay questions, supporting their claims through strong writing with sound reasoning and judgment.
Topical Outline
- 1. Introduction to Biblical Studies in general; Apocalyptic Studies in specific
- 2. Ancient Near Eastern Antecedents: Persian, Hebrew, Egyptian
- 3. Examples from the Hebrew Bible
- (a) Isaiah 24-27, 40-66
- (b) Ezekiel 37-48; Zechariah 9-14
- (c) Daniel 7-12; Joel, Malachi
- 4. Jewish examples from 100 B. C. E. to 100 C. E.
- (a) Qumran War Scroll
- (b) 1 Enoch 37-71
- (c) 4 Ezra; 2 Baruch
- 5. Early Christian Examples
- (a) Matthew 24-25; Mark 13; Luke 6
- (b) The Revelation to John
- (c) The Shepherd of Hermas
- 6. Course Summation & Conclusion
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
